A 31-year-old member asked:
Why can't cystic fibrosis patients be near each other?
2 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in
Dr. David Milleranswered
Family Medicine 11 years experience
Sharing: Patients with cystic fibrosis are highly susceptible to lung infections. As a result, if they spend a lot of time together, they can readily swap infections. This is one case where you should shun your parents' otherwise good advice on sharing.
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. William Walsh commented
Addiction Medicine 18 years experience
And the sorts of bacteria that they share tend to shorten their life span. Burkholderia and Pseudomonas often lead to chronic airway infections, and Burkholderia usually will preclude a lung transplant.
Jan 8, 2012
Dr. William Walshanswered
Addiction Medicine 18 years experience
Resistance: Unfortunate experience with CF camps, dating, and support groups showed us that highly resistant bacteria (including pseudomonas aeruginosa, burkholderia cepacia, mrsa) were shared between patients. These bacteria lead to declines in lung function and complicate treatment. Burkholeria is often a contraindication to transplant. Online support groups and facebook ease the pain.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Jul 10, 2019
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